We’ve all heard the term “trophy hunter”. This usually refers to the
sportsman who passes on lesser animals in order to have the opportunity to
take a more impressive specimen. But what measure do we use to determine if an animal should be considered a “trophy”?
ONE MAN’S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE
When I was in the elementary grades, we had a thing called “church school”.
If we chose to, we could get out of school on Wednesday mornings to attend
a nearby church for a couple hours of bible lessons.
One day, our church school teacher told us that we could win a pen if we
were able to recite the books of the bible in order. After a couple weeks
of intense study, I gave it a go. I failed on my first attempt and I
actually remember crying. I really wanted that pen. Thankfully, I was
successful the following week.
To anyone else, the prize I so sought after was nothing special…it was
simply a pen. But to me it was a trophy that showed I had completed a significant accomplishment.
IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER
It doesn’t matter if the prize you seek is a monster buck or the first
legal animal to come within range, when you decide to take a specific
animal it should, at that moment, become your trophy. As hunters, we put
too much time and effort in to a hunt to come full draw on an animal that
we aren’t sure we want.
I’M A MEAT HUNTER!
I remember at deer camp one year when a small group of us were cutting up a deer I had taken the day before. It wasn’t a big deer. In fact, it wasn’t
even a buck. But I had done my homework, found my own stand location, took time out of my schedule, and spent my own money in order to harvest that deer. One of the older camp members was helping out. Looking at the size of the deer I had taken, he commented that I was “just a meat hunter”.
At the time, I was hurt. He had belittled my hunting skills by saying that
my deer was beneath him…that he would never lower himself to shoot a deer of that quality. But when I looked back on that deer later on, I was proud
of myself for being able to outwit it and place myself in a position to
take it.
Darn right I’m a meat hunter!!!
And guess what? That older hunter did not get a deer that year. In fact, a
couple of years later, he shot a deer that was MUCH smaller than mine.
CONCLUSION
It’s all a matter of perspective. If you are content with the animal that
you have decided to take a shot at, then it’s a trophy. It may not make the
record books, the sports section of the local paper, or even the
conversation around hunting camp but it’s still a trophy to you. Be proud
of your accomplishments!
And in case you are wondering…I can still recite the books of the bible in
order.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Showing posts with label deer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deer. Show all posts
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Have you ever been driving along and then all of the sudden you snap out of
a coma-like trance and you can’t remember anything for the past couple of
minutes and you realize (with some alarm) that your exit is rapidly
approaching? That is the way it is for a lot of archery hunters. They plod
along during the hot summer months concerned mostly with mowing the lawn, tending the garden, and maybe doing a little fishing. But suddenly, they snap out of their coma-like trance and realize (with some alarm) that archery season is rapidly approaching.
NOW IS THE TIME
Consider this a big freeway sign notifying you that your exit is approaching soon.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your bow out to start practicing.
NOW IS THE TIME to replace or repair equipment.
NOW IS THE TIME to check your hunting areas.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your work schedule in order.
NOW IS THE TIME to get licenses or permits.
WE ARE DIFFERENT
Unlike hunters who use rifles, muzzleloaders, or crossbows, we can’t just
pick up our bow after a year of not using it, draw it back, hold that
weight, release smoothly, and expect to hit what we are aiming at. We have
muscles that have to be strengthened and form that needs to be relearned.
We do not have the luxury of simply putting a crosshair or bead on our
target and pulling the trigger. There is SO much more involved. And because
of that, we must begin our practice sessions well before the season opener.
START OUT SLOW
At the beginning, you will want to keep your practice sessions short. As
you tire, your accuracy suffers and you may assign your errant shots to
something else entirely. And trust me, in the beginning, you will get tired
quickly. Try to make time to shoot every day but for the first week, don’t
shoot for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Rest and reset your mind
and body in between each arrow and only shoot three arrows in a group.
FOCUS
It’s alright that you’ll only be shooting about 9-12 arrows each session
during that first week. Focus primarily on your form for each and every
arrow….strength will come. It is better to have a short but FOCUSED
practice session that a long and unfocused one. Beginning in the second
week and every week thereafter, add two more groups of three arrows to your practice sessions until you find yourself shooting for about an hour. For
the first few weeks, practice from the same distance each time so that you
can focus on your form.
CONCLUSION
If you find yourself getting bored with your practice sessions, mix up your
routine a bit. Shoot at a 3D animal target, mix up your distances, or find
a friend or family member to shoot with you. Boredom is a huge killer of
practice. And don’t forget to practice DURING the season as well. If your
last practice session was the day before the opener and you don’t have an
opportunity at a deer until the last day, it could be several months since
you’ve shot.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
a coma-like trance and you can’t remember anything for the past couple of
minutes and you realize (with some alarm) that your exit is rapidly
approaching? That is the way it is for a lot of archery hunters. They plod
along during the hot summer months concerned mostly with mowing the lawn, tending the garden, and maybe doing a little fishing. But suddenly, they snap out of their coma-like trance and realize (with some alarm) that archery season is rapidly approaching.
NOW IS THE TIME
Consider this a big freeway sign notifying you that your exit is approaching soon.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your bow out to start practicing.
NOW IS THE TIME to replace or repair equipment.
NOW IS THE TIME to check your hunting areas.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your work schedule in order.
NOW IS THE TIME to get licenses or permits.
WE ARE DIFFERENT
Unlike hunters who use rifles, muzzleloaders, or crossbows, we can’t just
pick up our bow after a year of not using it, draw it back, hold that
weight, release smoothly, and expect to hit what we are aiming at. We have
muscles that have to be strengthened and form that needs to be relearned.
We do not have the luxury of simply putting a crosshair or bead on our
target and pulling the trigger. There is SO much more involved. And because
of that, we must begin our practice sessions well before the season opener.
START OUT SLOW
At the beginning, you will want to keep your practice sessions short. As
you tire, your accuracy suffers and you may assign your errant shots to
something else entirely. And trust me, in the beginning, you will get tired
quickly. Try to make time to shoot every day but for the first week, don’t
shoot for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Rest and reset your mind
and body in between each arrow and only shoot three arrows in a group.
FOCUS
It’s alright that you’ll only be shooting about 9-12 arrows each session
during that first week. Focus primarily on your form for each and every
arrow….strength will come. It is better to have a short but FOCUSED
practice session that a long and unfocused one. Beginning in the second
week and every week thereafter, add two more groups of three arrows to your practice sessions until you find yourself shooting for about an hour. For
the first few weeks, practice from the same distance each time so that you
can focus on your form.
CONCLUSION
If you find yourself getting bored with your practice sessions, mix up your
routine a bit. Shoot at a 3D animal target, mix up your distances, or find
a friend or family member to shoot with you. Boredom is a huge killer of
practice. And don’t forget to practice DURING the season as well. If your
last practice session was the day before the opener and you don’t have an
opportunity at a deer until the last day, it could be several months since
you’ve shot.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
BOOK REVIEW - "Whitetail-Fundamentals and Fine Points for the Hunter"
TITLE, AUTHOR, AND PUBLICATION INFO
“WHITETAIL-FUNDAMENTALS AND FINE POINTS FOR THE HUNTER”
by George Mattis
Copyright 1969 by Popular Science/Outdoor Life Book Division
273 pages
SUMMARY
Strange as it may seem for me, this book is NOT about archery hunting at
all. Instead, it is old-school still hunting with rifles and deer hunting
storytelling at its best. But don’t let that fool you. There are plenty of
lessons to be learned in these pages for hunters of today regardless of
what type of weapon we choose to hunt with. I seldom re-read a book more
than once but not only have I read this book MANY times, I have even
purchased a second one in case I wear the first one out!
BREAKING IT DOWN
Hunting Methods - the author uses over half of the book to discuss various
rifle hunting methods
Whitetail Characteristics – there is a lot of info in this book about deer
behavior and habits
Still Hunting – the main focus of the entire book
LIKES
· Mr. Mattis grew up a hunter and (to me) became a very talented
outdoor writer. His matter-of-fact way of telling us a story while
imparting his knowledge is refreshing and makes for very easy
reading.
· I was very happy to see a chapter that talked about wounded deer. Not
only that, but he discusses different types of wounds and how to
proceed with your tracking based on field data.
· This book is NOT technical. In fact, it reads almost like a novel.
But read it only once and you will discover that you have learned
something.
DISLIKES
· While Mr. Mattis does not come right out and advocate taking a shot
at a running deer, he does not state that this should not be done. I
am a firm believer that under no circumstance should anyone shoot at
a running deer.
· Due to the fact that this book was written in 1969, the term “rut”
included pre and post rut phases…even though these terms didn’t exist
back then. The author only devotes one chapter to the “rut”.
IN MY SIGHTS
This book is fun to read! I guarantee that you will enjoy being taken back
to your grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s time to experience how deer
hunting was then. Compare it to today’s hunting methods and be amazed at
how much things have changed…and how much they haven’t.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
“WHITETAIL-FUNDAMENTALS AND FINE POINTS FOR THE HUNTER”
by George Mattis
Copyright 1969 by Popular Science/Outdoor Life Book Division
273 pages
SUMMARY
Strange as it may seem for me, this book is NOT about archery hunting at
all. Instead, it is old-school still hunting with rifles and deer hunting
storytelling at its best. But don’t let that fool you. There are plenty of
lessons to be learned in these pages for hunters of today regardless of
what type of weapon we choose to hunt with. I seldom re-read a book more
than once but not only have I read this book MANY times, I have even
purchased a second one in case I wear the first one out!
BREAKING IT DOWN
Hunting Methods - the author uses over half of the book to discuss various
rifle hunting methods
Whitetail Characteristics – there is a lot of info in this book about deer
behavior and habits
Still Hunting – the main focus of the entire book
LIKES
· Mr. Mattis grew up a hunter and (to me) became a very talented
outdoor writer. His matter-of-fact way of telling us a story while
imparting his knowledge is refreshing and makes for very easy
reading.
· I was very happy to see a chapter that talked about wounded deer. Not
only that, but he discusses different types of wounds and how to
proceed with your tracking based on field data.
· This book is NOT technical. In fact, it reads almost like a novel.
But read it only once and you will discover that you have learned
something.
DISLIKES
· While Mr. Mattis does not come right out and advocate taking a shot
at a running deer, he does not state that this should not be done. I
am a firm believer that under no circumstance should anyone shoot at
a running deer.
· Due to the fact that this book was written in 1969, the term “rut”
included pre and post rut phases…even though these terms didn’t exist
back then. The author only devotes one chapter to the “rut”.
IN MY SIGHTS
This book is fun to read! I guarantee that you will enjoy being taken back
to your grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s time to experience how deer
hunting was then. Compare it to today’s hunting methods and be amazed at
how much things have changed…and how much they haven’t.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
THE ARCHERY WHISPERER
THE ARCHERY WHISPERER
There are a LOT of things to remember when shooting a bow. There are a lot
MORE things to remember if we want to hit what we are aiming at. As an
archery instructor, I’m always looking for ways to break the lessons down
into very basic components that are easy to remember. But sometimes even
experienced archers need a reminder of good shooting fundamentals. They
don’t need a long drawn out explanation of each and every step but just a
little “nudge” to keep them on track.
A GENTLE REMINDER
After thinking through all of the steps necessary for good shooting, I’ve
come up with three simple catch words that we all can use as a reminder of
the need to maintain good shooting habits. They are Form, Focus, and
Follow-through.
FORM
There are a lot of steps within this element but when you see or think of
the word “form”, it should remind you of posture, stance, bow arm, grip,
anchor point, and sight picture. Achieving good form prior to even putting
the arrow on your string and maintaining good form throughout the shot
process is vital for accurate shooting.
FOCUS
It may seem kind of silly that we need a reminder to focus but so much of
being able to put the arrow where we want it hinges on focusing on that
single tiny spot. We need to be able to shut out everything else when we
are at full draw and lining up our pin. This element should serve as a
means to keep our focus on aiming.
FOLLOW-THROUGH
Yeah…it’s hyphenated but it still counts. This is an often neglected aspect
of archery that can really affect accuracy. If we don’t maintain good
follow through and keep our eyes on that single tiny spot until arrow
impact, we open up the potential for BIG misses. Don’t peek.
CONCLUSION
Our equipment aside, everything for accurate archery shooting falls under
Form, Focus, or Follow-through. A little sticker with these elements on the
inside of your top bow limb will be a quiet whisper for you to pay
attention to your shooting procedures each and every time you pick up your
bow.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
There are a LOT of things to remember when shooting a bow. There are a lot
MORE things to remember if we want to hit what we are aiming at. As an
archery instructor, I’m always looking for ways to break the lessons down
into very basic components that are easy to remember. But sometimes even
experienced archers need a reminder of good shooting fundamentals. They
don’t need a long drawn out explanation of each and every step but just a
little “nudge” to keep them on track.
A GENTLE REMINDER
After thinking through all of the steps necessary for good shooting, I’ve
come up with three simple catch words that we all can use as a reminder of
the need to maintain good shooting habits. They are Form, Focus, and
Follow-through.
FORM
There are a lot of steps within this element but when you see or think of
the word “form”, it should remind you of posture, stance, bow arm, grip,
anchor point, and sight picture. Achieving good form prior to even putting
the arrow on your string and maintaining good form throughout the shot
process is vital for accurate shooting.
FOCUS
It may seem kind of silly that we need a reminder to focus but so much of
being able to put the arrow where we want it hinges on focusing on that
single tiny spot. We need to be able to shut out everything else when we
are at full draw and lining up our pin. This element should serve as a
means to keep our focus on aiming.
FOLLOW-THROUGH
Yeah…it’s hyphenated but it still counts. This is an often neglected aspect
of archery that can really affect accuracy. If we don’t maintain good
follow through and keep our eyes on that single tiny spot until arrow
impact, we open up the potential for BIG misses. Don’t peek.
CONCLUSION
Our equipment aside, everything for accurate archery shooting falls under
Form, Focus, or Follow-through. A little sticker with these elements on the
inside of your top bow limb will be a quiet whisper for you to pay
attention to your shooting procedures each and every time you pick up your
bow.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
BOOK REVIEW - "Bowhunter's Guide to Accurate Shooting"
TITLE, AUTHOR, AND PUBLICATION INFO
“BOWHUNTER’S GUIDE TO ACCURATE SHOOTING”
by Lon E. Lauber (www.lonlauber.com)
Copyright 2005 by Creative Publishing International, Inc
(www.creativepub.com)
127 pages
SUMMARY
As the title of the book implies, this publication focuses on fine tuning
your archery equipment and skills to achieve the most accurate shot
possible when the moment of truth arrives during your hunt. However, many
of the tips and suggestions in this book can also be applied to target and
3D archery shooters. While most of this book talks about compound bows and compound bow shooting, the author sprinkles in a little traditional archery
information as well.
BREAKING IT DOWN
There are three primary areas that the author deals with..
Equipment – with a chapter dedicated to achieving consistent arrow flight
Shooting Form – includes a chapter on yardage estimation
Field Application – including a chapter on shooting in adverse conditions
LIKES
· Mr. Lauber writes from experience. He shares his successful (and
sometimes not-so successful) hunting stories and imparts to us what
he has learned from those adventures.
· There are many photographs, illustrations, charts, and drawings
throughout the book that offer informative and supporting visual
aids.
· While this is a somewhat technical book, I like that Mr. Lauber also
wades into the mental aspect of archery shooting. Oftentimes, this
side of archery is overlooked in other how-to books.
· LOTS of useful information! This book will make an excellent
reference guide.
DISLIKES
· This really isn’t a dislike but there is a LOT of information in this
book and I would like to have seen the author spend more time on each
subject.
· The contents page at the front of the book does not do justice to
what is between the covers.
· Speaking of the covers…the front cover really turned me off! The
ancient camo pattern the hunter is wearing almost made me NOT pick
this book up. It made me think the content of the book was not
up-to-date.
IN MY SIGHTS
Friday, February 4, 2011
INSIDE CORNERS
Yeah, I know…another baseball analogy. But have you ever paid attention to
a baseball player and how he runs the bases when he’s going for that extra
base? If he is going from first to third on a hit, he will touch second
base on the inside corner. Why?...because the shortest distance between
first and third base involves the runner touching the inside corner of
second base. This route gets the runner to third base in the quickest
manner.
There are inside corners in hunting too and deer use them in the exact same
manner as our base runner.
My illustration below is behind my house. We have a piece of woods with a
field cut into it and a road running to the north and east of the property.
Deer are basically lazy creatures and to get from one point to the next
they will use a route that is the most direct, has the least resistance,
but still offers adequate cover. The shortest distance between points A and
B involves the deer touching the inside corner of the field. Sound familiar
to our base runner?
You must pay special attention to the wind when hunting inside corners.
Ideally, this spot should be hunted with a north wind and the hunter should
approach the stand site (“S”) from the south by cutting across the field.
The stand should be placed on the downwind side of any trails cutting the
inside corner.
You can’t see it from this aerial photo but just to the north of the deer
trail the ground slopes very steeply down to the road. Since the deer avoid
the road and prefer not to climb the steep hill, I have a nearly perfect
funnel situation. I even drive my truck into the field and park it about
200 yards from the corner so that the deer won’t cut across the field
behind me.
Inside corners can be hotspots. And while you may not see much deer sign in
these locations, you can be assured that deer are passing through. These
are especially good spots during the rut when bucks are cruising all day
looking for does.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
a baseball player and how he runs the bases when he’s going for that extra
base? If he is going from first to third on a hit, he will touch second
base on the inside corner. Why?...because the shortest distance between
first and third base involves the runner touching the inside corner of
second base. This route gets the runner to third base in the quickest
manner.
There are inside corners in hunting too and deer use them in the exact same
manner as our base runner.
My illustration below is behind my house. We have a piece of woods with a
field cut into it and a road running to the north and east of the property.
Deer are basically lazy creatures and to get from one point to the next
they will use a route that is the most direct, has the least resistance,
but still offers adequate cover. The shortest distance between points A and
B involves the deer touching the inside corner of the field. Sound familiar
to our base runner?
You must pay special attention to the wind when hunting inside corners.
Ideally, this spot should be hunted with a north wind and the hunter should
approach the stand site (“S”) from the south by cutting across the field.
The stand should be placed on the downwind side of any trails cutting the
inside corner.
You can’t see it from this aerial photo but just to the north of the deer
trail the ground slopes very steeply down to the road. Since the deer avoid
the road and prefer not to climb the steep hill, I have a nearly perfect
funnel situation. I even drive my truck into the field and park it about
200 yards from the corner so that the deer won’t cut across the field
behind me.
Inside corners can be hotspots. And while you may not see much deer sign in
these locations, you can be assured that deer are passing through. These
are especially good spots during the rut when bucks are cruising all day
looking for does.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
THE RESET
I love baseball. It’s great to settle down in front of the television to
watch a major league baseball game…especially if the Phillies are doing
well. But to many people, baseball is boring. They think all baseball
involves is pitch the ball, hit the ball, catch the ball, throw the ball,
etc. But there are many little things going on within the game that make it
interesting.
One of the things I enjoy watching are the rituals that some hitters go
through before they are ready to receive a pitch. They go through all kinds
of manipulations with the dirt, the bat, their batting gloves, their
helmet, everything. AND THEN….most back out of the box and do it all
again….after each pitch!!!!
However, what these professional baseball players are doing is nothing less
than what we should be doing as archers. In reality, they are adjusting to
the right stance, getting the proper body alignment, achieving the correct
grip, and mentally preparing for the next pitch.
After that arrow is gone and we’ve followed through properly (see blog
entry from 12/7), our body is not in the proper position to immediately
shoot another arrow. While our stance should not change, our posture needs
to be reset, the next arrow needs to be reset, our bow needs to be reset,
our grip needs to be reset, our string hand needs to be reset, and most
importantly, our mind must be reset.
I’m not saying to back completely off the line and start all over but
everyone should have a pre-shot routine that they go through before
shooting every arrow!!! At a minimum, that ritual should include a mental
check list of the following…
Stance and body posture
Nocking the arrow and hook the release
Grip the bow and bring it into position
Slow Draw and anchor the string hand
Aim! Aim! Aim!
Release
Follow through
AND THEN….RESET…and do it all over again.
If you develop a pre-shot routine, the process of repetition will soon
train your body. You will find that you no longer have to really think
about it and that your body will tell you when something isn’t right. And
listen to your body. If something just doesn’t feel right, let down, and
RESET.
And just like the major league baseball player, don’t dwell on what’s
already happened. You can’t get that bad shot back any more than a batter
can get that strike back.
And RESET your mind to focus COMPLETELY on the next shot. And by that, I
mean FOCUS ONLY ON AIMING when you come to full draw.
Remember…we don’t shoot three arrows at a time when practicing…we shoot one
at a time.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
watch a major league baseball game…especially if the Phillies are doing
well. But to many people, baseball is boring. They think all baseball
involves is pitch the ball, hit the ball, catch the ball, throw the ball,
etc. But there are many little things going on within the game that make it
interesting.
One of the things I enjoy watching are the rituals that some hitters go
through before they are ready to receive a pitch. They go through all kinds
of manipulations with the dirt, the bat, their batting gloves, their
helmet, everything. AND THEN….most back out of the box and do it all
again….after each pitch!!!!
However, what these professional baseball players are doing is nothing less
than what we should be doing as archers. In reality, they are adjusting to
the right stance, getting the proper body alignment, achieving the correct
grip, and mentally preparing for the next pitch.
After that arrow is gone and we’ve followed through properly (see blog
entry from 12/7), our body is not in the proper position to immediately
shoot another arrow. While our stance should not change, our posture needs
to be reset, the next arrow needs to be reset, our bow needs to be reset,
our grip needs to be reset, our string hand needs to be reset, and most
importantly, our mind must be reset.
I’m not saying to back completely off the line and start all over but
everyone should have a pre-shot routine that they go through before
shooting every arrow!!! At a minimum, that ritual should include a mental
check list of the following…
Stance and body posture
Nocking the arrow and hook the release
Grip the bow and bring it into position
Slow Draw and anchor the string hand
Aim! Aim! Aim!
Release
Follow through
AND THEN….RESET…and do it all over again.
If you develop a pre-shot routine, the process of repetition will soon
train your body. You will find that you no longer have to really think
about it and that your body will tell you when something isn’t right. And
listen to your body. If something just doesn’t feel right, let down, and
RESET.
And just like the major league baseball player, don’t dwell on what’s
already happened. You can’t get that bad shot back any more than a batter
can get that strike back.
And RESET your mind to focus COMPLETELY on the next shot. And by that, I
mean FOCUS ONLY ON AIMING when you come to full draw.
Remember…we don’t shoot three arrows at a time when practicing…we shoot one
at a time.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Monday, December 20, 2010
MY CHRISTMAS WISH
Well, it’s Christmas time again. And you know what that means….some people
are freaking out!!
There are gifts to wrap, cards to send, decorations to put up, a tree to
find, cookies to bake, stockings to hang, a meal to prepare, travel
arrangements to make, plays to attend, parties to plan….the list never
seems to end.
And since these people see absolutely no way of everything getting done by
Christmas, they start to get that look in their eyes that if they get one
more thing piled on top of them, they will collapse like a house of cards.
They are on the edge of being devoured by the holidays and the joy of the
season escapes them.
They don’t see the blessings they get by giving to others.
They can’t understand the happiness a card brings to a friend.
They miss out on seeing how colorful lights transform a simple house into a
magical place.
They fail to appreciate the excitement a Christmas tree brings to a child.
They are unable to smell the friendly warmth of baking cookies.
They can’t see the look of awe on faces around the table when Christmas
dinner is served.
They don’t comprehend the anticipation loved ones feel as they pull up in
the driveway.
They won’t recognize the delight a child has when on stage…and mom and dad
are in the audience.
They aren’t aware of the fellowship shared at simple gatherings.
Please don’t let the seemingly endless list of things to do take away from
the Christmas season this year. My wish is that everyone will take time out
to enjoy the decorations, the food, the family, and the beautiful spirit
that IS Christmas.
And what does all this have to do with archery? Absolutely nothing. Merry
Christmas everyone!!!
Subscribe to my instructional archery videos at www.youtube.com\user\archery64
are freaking out!!
There are gifts to wrap, cards to send, decorations to put up, a tree to
find, cookies to bake, stockings to hang, a meal to prepare, travel
arrangements to make, plays to attend, parties to plan….the list never
seems to end.
And since these people see absolutely no way of everything getting done by
Christmas, they start to get that look in their eyes that if they get one
more thing piled on top of them, they will collapse like a house of cards.
They are on the edge of being devoured by the holidays and the joy of the
season escapes them.
They don’t see the blessings they get by giving to others.
They can’t understand the happiness a card brings to a friend.
They miss out on seeing how colorful lights transform a simple house into a
magical place.
They fail to appreciate the excitement a Christmas tree brings to a child.
They are unable to smell the friendly warmth of baking cookies.
They can’t see the look of awe on faces around the table when Christmas
dinner is served.
They don’t comprehend the anticipation loved ones feel as they pull up in
the driveway.
They won’t recognize the delight a child has when on stage…and mom and dad
are in the audience.
They aren’t aware of the fellowship shared at simple gatherings.
Please don’t let the seemingly endless list of things to do take away from
the Christmas season this year. My wish is that everyone will take time out
to enjoy the decorations, the food, the family, and the beautiful spirit
that IS Christmas.
And what does all this have to do with archery? Absolutely nothing. Merry
Christmas everyone!!!
Subscribe to my instructional archery videos at www.youtube.com\user\archery64
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I Passed on the Shot
Let's see....it's 7:30 PM here now. About an hour and 15 minutes ago, I had three small whitetails messing around under my stand. One even walked over and smelled one of the two new scrapes around my tree. But I passed on the shot. I could've taken any one of them at any time but I let them all go.
It's amazing how good one feels when you know you could've...but didn't. I think that lesson can be applied to many areas of our life.
It's amazing how good one feels when you know you could've...but didn't. I think that lesson can be applied to many areas of our life.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
TODD'S TUESDAY TIP
It's a good idea to see how long you can hold your bow at full draw and make an accurate shot BEFORE you head to the woods.
Check out more of Todd's stuff at www.allarchery.blogspot.com.
Check out more of Todd's stuff at www.allarchery.blogspot.com.
POP QIUIZ!
Here's the answers to last week's questions...
1. False – Even with the dramatic advancement of broadheads, they still
do not fly exactly like your field tips. It is still imperative that
you sight in with your broadheads before heading to the field.
2. False – String jumping is when a deer reacts instinctively to the
sound of your bow being fired. The dropping down occurs as the deer
gathers its legs under its body to bound away. Many times, the arrow
will sail over the top of the deer unless the shooter compensates in
anticipation of the deer’s reaction.
3. False – Due to the somewhat inefficient design of the crossbow, they
have no more range than a comparable compound bow. In fact, a
compound bow with a 125 lb draw weight would have FAR greater range
than a crossbow with the same draw weight.
And here's this week's questions...
1. T / F Bucks are the most predictable during the breeding phase of the
rut.
2. T / F Gripping the bow too tightly at release could affect the
impact point.
3. T / F Staging areas are locations where bucks may “hang out” prior to
entering a field to feed.
1. False – Even with the dramatic advancement of broadheads, they still
do not fly exactly like your field tips. It is still imperative that
you sight in with your broadheads before heading to the field.
2. False – String jumping is when a deer reacts instinctively to the
sound of your bow being fired. The dropping down occurs as the deer
gathers its legs under its body to bound away. Many times, the arrow
will sail over the top of the deer unless the shooter compensates in
anticipation of the deer’s reaction.
3. False – Due to the somewhat inefficient design of the crossbow, they
have no more range than a comparable compound bow. In fact, a
compound bow with a 125 lb draw weight would have FAR greater range
than a crossbow with the same draw weight.
And here's this week's questions...
1. T / F Bucks are the most predictable during the breeding phase of the
rut.
2. T / F Gripping the bow too tightly at release could affect the
impact point.
3. T / F Staging areas are locations where bucks may “hang out” prior to
entering a field to feed.
Friday, September 3, 2010
FRIDAY FACTS
Studies have shown that acorns can constitute 38 to 76 percent of a whitetail’s diet in November and December.
THURSDAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
I have been shooting my bow a lot over the past couple of weeks and I have
a big 3D shoot coming up on Saturday. In fact, I have been doing a lot of
preparation for our archery season which opens up on Sep 18. Part of that
preparation includes writing down all the days I will be able to hunt,
which stands I’ll want to be in on each day (assuming wind conditions are
right), and whether I’ll be using scents, calls, or decoys.
This is not a cut-in-stone agenda but rather a general plan of attack that
I can shuffle around however I want based on any number of things. Weather,
food sources, deer sign, and hunter movement are just a few things that
could cause me to alter my battle plan.
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK…Many hunters look forward to the hunting
season and have several stand locations to choose from every day. However,
very few take the time to plot out their hunting strategy in advance. Give
it a try and you’ll find you won’t over-hunt stands and you'll gain more
confidence for the upcoming season.
a big 3D shoot coming up on Saturday. In fact, I have been doing a lot of
preparation for our archery season which opens up on Sep 18. Part of that
preparation includes writing down all the days I will be able to hunt,
which stands I’ll want to be in on each day (assuming wind conditions are
right), and whether I’ll be using scents, calls, or decoys.
This is not a cut-in-stone agenda but rather a general plan of attack that
I can shuffle around however I want based on any number of things. Weather,
food sources, deer sign, and hunter movement are just a few things that
could cause me to alter my battle plan.
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK…Many hunters look forward to the hunting
season and have several stand locations to choose from every day. However,
very few take the time to plot out their hunting strategy in advance. Give
it a try and you’ll find you won’t over-hunt stands and you'll gain more
confidence for the upcoming season.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
TODD'S TUESDAY TIP
Practice the shots you imagine you could be taking from your stand. Too many archers practice on level ground, in good weather, and bright sunlight. You will make very few shots at live game in these conditions during your entire life. Practice bending over a little, twisting sideways, and even sitting.
Monday, August 30, 2010
POP QUIZ!
Here's last week's questions...
1. T / F Rubs on a sapling that are on the opposite side of the tree from a feeding area, generally indicates the evening route of a buck.
TRUE-Rubs that are facing away from a feeding area generally indicate the evening travel route of the buck (he was heading towards his feeding area) while rubs facing away from a bedding area usually show the buck's morning travel route.
2. T / F When sighting in your bow, you should make a sight adjustment after each arrow.
FALSE-Sight adjustments should be made after each three-arrow group. And then from the center of the grouping.
3. T / F The bullseye on all 3D whitetail targets are an exact representation of where you should aim on a live animal.
FALSE-Generally, the bullseye on 3D targets are NOT where you want to aim on a live whitetail. In most cases, you'll want to aim much lower on a live deer. For quartering shots on live game, you'll want your point-of-impact much further left or right of where the bullseye is on the target.
And here's this week's questions...
1. T/ F Due to design innovations, it is no longer necessary to sight in broadheads if they are the same weight as your target tips.
2. T / F String jumping is when a deer sees the arrow coming at him and intentionally ducks under the arrow as it arrives.
3. T / F Crossbows have a greater range than regular compound bows.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
1. T / F Rubs on a sapling that are on the opposite side of the tree from a feeding area, generally indicates the evening route of a buck.
TRUE-Rubs that are facing away from a feeding area generally indicate the evening travel route of the buck (he was heading towards his feeding area) while rubs facing away from a bedding area usually show the buck's morning travel route.
2. T / F When sighting in your bow, you should make a sight adjustment after each arrow.
FALSE-Sight adjustments should be made after each three-arrow group. And then from the center of the grouping.
3. T / F The bullseye on all 3D whitetail targets are an exact representation of where you should aim on a live animal.
FALSE-Generally, the bullseye on 3D targets are NOT where you want to aim on a live whitetail. In most cases, you'll want to aim much lower on a live deer. For quartering shots on live game, you'll want your point-of-impact much further left or right of where the bullseye is on the target.
And here's this week's questions...
1. T/ F Due to design innovations, it is no longer necessary to sight in broadheads if they are the same weight as your target tips.
2. T / F String jumping is when a deer sees the arrow coming at him and intentionally ducks under the arrow as it arrives.
3. T / F Crossbows have a greater range than regular compound bows.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
FRIDAY FACTS
Deer are ruminants (cud chewers) and have a four-compartmented stomach, which allows the deer to feed very rapidly.
Deer need 10 to 12 pounds of food per day to satisfy their needs.
Deer need 10 to 12 pounds of food per day to satisfy their needs.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
THURSDAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Tracking a deer through the woods has become a lost art form. Oh sure,
almost anyone can pick up on a well defined blood trail and follow it. But
what if the blood sign ends before you find the animal? Would you be able
to tell which way the animal went based on other sign? What if you just
happen across a blood trail? Would you be able to determine which direction
the deer was heading?
Sadly, most hunters today do not possess even a fraction of the skills
necessary to track an animal beyond a good blood trail.
And tracking can get a whole lot more complicated.
If you were targeting a particular buck in your hunting area, would you be
able to memorize his track imprint and then follow that particular track to
his bedding or feeding area? If you came across a promising track on a deer
trail, could you give a rough estimate of how long ago it was made? Are you
able to use sign other than tracks to determine if deer are using a
particular area?
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK… Most hunters only use deer tracks to
identify a travel route. If you could read tracks and other deer sign with
even a modest amount of proficiency, think about how many more hunting
options you would be able to take advantage of.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd’s stuff.
almost anyone can pick up on a well defined blood trail and follow it. But
what if the blood sign ends before you find the animal? Would you be able
to tell which way the animal went based on other sign? What if you just
happen across a blood trail? Would you be able to determine which direction
the deer was heading?
Sadly, most hunters today do not possess even a fraction of the skills
necessary to track an animal beyond a good blood trail.
And tracking can get a whole lot more complicated.
If you were targeting a particular buck in your hunting area, would you be
able to memorize his track imprint and then follow that particular track to
his bedding or feeding area? If you came across a promising track on a deer
trail, could you give a rough estimate of how long ago it was made? Are you
able to use sign other than tracks to determine if deer are using a
particular area?
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK… Most hunters only use deer tracks to
identify a travel route. If you could read tracks and other deer sign with
even a modest amount of proficiency, think about how many more hunting
options you would be able to take advantage of.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd’s stuff.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
TODD'S TUESDAY TIP
If you hunt with the quiver attached to your bow, make sure you practice and sight your bow in with the quiver attached as well. I practice and hunt with the quiver DETACHED from my bow to avoid as much vibration, noise, and weight as possible. Once in my stand, I hang the quiver on the tree within easy reach.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Monday, August 23, 2010
POP QUIZ
Every Monday will be a pop quiz. I will post three true or false archery/hunting questions for you to try your knowledge against. If you’re feeling froggy, you can leave your answers in a comment on my blog for the world to see. On the following Monday, I will post the answers to the previous week’s questions and then post three new questions. If you have specific questions you’d like answered, you can either leave a comment on my blog or send me an email at toddlydell@gmail.com.
Here's last week's questions...
1. A hoof print along with a dew claw imprint always indicates a buck track.
FALSE - Large mature does will sometimes leave dew claw marks.
2. If an area has a high buck-to-doe ratio (greater than 3 or 4 does for every buck), it’s easier to call, scent, rattle, or decoy bucks into your setups.
FALSE - Since bucks will find potential mates in greater abundance in areas with high buck-to-doe ratios, the need to compete for mating privileges is greatly reduced. Therefore, bucks are not as susceptible to calls, scents, rattling, and decoys.
3. The most dominant buck in an area will generally make the first scrapes of the season.
TRUE - Due to increased testosterone levels, the earliest scrapes of the season are generally made by the dominant buck in the area.
And here's this week's POP QUIZ...
1. T / F Rubs on a sapling that are on the opposite side of the tree from a feeding area, generally indicates the evening route of a buck.
2. T / F When sighting in your bow, you should make a sight adjustment after each arrow.
3. T / F The bullseye on all 3D whitetail targets are an exact representation of where you should aim on a live animal.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Here's last week's questions...
1. A hoof print along with a dew claw imprint always indicates a buck track.
FALSE - Large mature does will sometimes leave dew claw marks.
2. If an area has a high buck-to-doe ratio (greater than 3 or 4 does for every buck), it’s easier to call, scent, rattle, or decoy bucks into your setups.
FALSE - Since bucks will find potential mates in greater abundance in areas with high buck-to-doe ratios, the need to compete for mating privileges is greatly reduced. Therefore, bucks are not as susceptible to calls, scents, rattling, and decoys.
3. The most dominant buck in an area will generally make the first scrapes of the season.
TRUE - Due to increased testosterone levels, the earliest scrapes of the season are generally made by the dominant buck in the area.
And here's this week's POP QUIZ...
1. T / F Rubs on a sapling that are on the opposite side of the tree from a feeding area, generally indicates the evening route of a buck.
2. T / F When sighting in your bow, you should make a sight adjustment after each arrow.
3. T / F The bullseye on all 3D whitetail targets are an exact representation of where you should aim on a live animal.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Friday, August 20, 2010
FRIDAY FACTS
In the early 1900's, whitetail populations in the U.S. was thought to number about 300,000 animals.
Recent estimates put the deer population in the United States at around 30 million animals!
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Recent estimates put the deer population in the United States at around 30 million animals!
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
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